NBTC urges restraint over PAO and school shooting coverage
The NBTC has urged broadcasters to verify facts, avoid unnecessary graphic footage and handle social-media content carefully when covering recent violence in Nonthaburi.
- The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has asked media organizations to reinforce responsible reporting standards following a school shooting and a shooting at the Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) in Nonthaburi.
- Broadcasters were advised to avoid unverified information, speculation on motives, and the use of graphic or distressing details, including the repeated broadcast of disturbing CCTV footage.
- The regulator emphasized the need to protect the dignity and privacy of victims and those involved, urging caution when conducting interviews or using material that could affect their rights.
- Media outlets were specifically warned to verify the source and accuracy of any information, images, or videos obtained from social media before broadcasting.
The Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has asked professional organisations in the broadcasting and television sectors to reinforce responsible reporting standards following two violent incidents in Nonthaburi: a school shooting on August 7 and a shooting at the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) on August 10.
Chantapat Khamkokruat, a senior policy and planning specialist serving as Acting Deputy Secretary-General of the NBTC and acting on behalf of the NBTC Secretary-General, sent a letter asking the professional organisations to monitor coverage and remind their members of appropriate standards when reporting such incidents.
The letter referred to an earlier NBTC request concerning media coverage of the August 7 violence at an educational institution in Nonthaburi. It also cited the August 10 incident at the Nonthaburi PAO. Both incidents involved firearms and resulted in deaths and injuries.
With both incidents attracting widespread public attention and extensive coverage across mainstream and social media, the NBTC Office called on professional organisations to ensure that news outlets and programme producers observe professional ethics and relevant regulations.
On the use of CCTV footage, television stations and programme producers were asked to check the source, accuracy, necessity and appropriateness of material before broadcasting it. Particular care should be taken with footage showing the incidents themselves, the use of weapons, victims or other material that could affect the dignity and privacy of those involved.
The NBTC Office also urged broadcasters to avoid unnecessary graphic or distressing details. Editorial decisions should be guided by necessity and the public interest, while repeated use of disturbing footage should be avoided, particularly where it could adversely affect children and young people.
News organisations were also reminded to verify information before publication while facts surrounding the incidents remain under investigation. The regulator cautioned against presenting unconfirmed information or speculating about motives, the sequence of events or the conduct of those involved, as this could mislead the public or affect individual rights within the justice process.
Presenters, news anchors, reporters and programme guests should perform their duties impartially, carefully and responsibly while observing media ethics and relevant laws. The NBTC Office advised against language or presentation that could further harm those affected, fuel hatred, provoke tensions or create unnecessary public alarm.
Particular care was also urged when interviewing or speaking with people connected to the incidents. Broadcasters should consider their rights, privacy and human dignity, as well as the potential consequences of making such information public.
The regulator further called for extra caution when using information, images or video obtained from social media. Broadcasters should verify both the source and accuracy before publication because information circulating during the early stages of an incident may be inaccurate or remain unconfirmed.
The NBTC Office asked professional organisations to ensure that their media members comply strictly with applicable laws, professional ethics and relevant reporting guidelines.
